Anticipatory power management for battery-powered electronic device

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for managing power consumption of a battery-powered electronic device are disclosed. According to one embodiment, power management can take action to reduce power consumption to accommodate estimated power requirements. According to another embodiment, power management can notify a user when a power deficiency is anticipated. According to still another embodiment, power management can advise a user to charge a battery of the battery-powered electronic device. According to still another embodiment, a user can influence power management by user selections.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/675,979, filed Feb. 16, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,430,675, entitled“ANTICIPATORY POWER MANAGEMENT FOR BATTERY-POWERED ELECTRONIC DEVICE,”which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to battery-powered electronic devices and,more particularly, to managing battery consumption on a portableelectronic device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, portable electronic devices, such as cellular phones,portable digital assistants or portable media players, have providedvisual clues regarding certain device status conditions. For example,battery-powered portable electronic devices frequently display a visualindication of battery status. The visual indication typically indicatesthe extent to which the battery is charged (i.e., battery level).Additionally, cellular phones often not only provide such a visualindication of battery level but also provide an auditory, periodicbeeping sound while a call is in process to alert the user when thebattery level is particularly low.

Unfortunately, however, these conventional indications of battery levelare often ignored by users. Moreover, as portable electronic devicesbecome more advanced, battery charge can be rapidly consumed withoutusers being aware. Another difficulty is that users sometimes fail toadequately charge batteries which can seriously hinder the ability ofthe batteries to power respective portable electronic devices asdesired. Thus, there is a need for improved techniques to inform andassist users in managing available battery power on portable mediaplayers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to power management of a battery-poweredelectronic device. According to one embodiment, power management cantake action to reduce power consumption to accommodate estimated powerrequirements. According to another embodiment, power management cannotify a user when a power deficiency is anticipated. According to stillanother embodiment, power management can advise a user to charge abattery of the battery-powered electronic device. According to stillanother embodiment, a user can influence power management by userselections.

The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as amethod, system, device, apparatus (including graphical user interface),or computer readable medium. Several embodiments of the invention arediscussed below.

As a method for managing power utilization by a multi-functionelectronic device powered by a battery, one embodiment of the inventioncan, for example, include at least: receiving a user selectionindicating an imminent usage for the electronic device; estimating afuture power requirement for the electronic device based on the imminentusage; obtaining a battery characteristic associated with the battery;determining, based on the battery characteristic, whether the batteryhas adequate capacity to satisfy the estimated future power requirementfor the electronic device; and reducing power consumption of theelectronic device when the determining determines that the battery hasinadequate capacity to satisfy the future power requirement. Thereduction of the power consumption of the electronic device canautomatically disable one or more functions that are not necessary tosupport the impending device usage.

As a method for managing power utilization by an electronic devicepowered by a battery, one embodiment of the invention can, for example,include at least: identifying an impending device usage; obtaining apower estimate for the electronic device to complete the impendingdevice usage; obtaining a battery characteristic associated with thebattery; determining, based on the battery characteristic, whether thebattery has adequate capacity to satisfy the power estimate for theelectronic device to complete the impending device usage; and reducingpower consumption of the electronic device during at least the impendingdevice usage when the determining determines that the battery hasinadequate charge capacity to satisfy the power estimate for theelectronic device to complete the impending device usage.

As a portable electronic device, one embodiment of the invention can,for example, include at least: a display; a battery; a battery monitorconfigured to acquire battery status information from the battery; auser input device configured to receive a user selection indicatingimminent usage for the portable electronic device; a device usagemanager configured to provide device usage information, the device usageinformation being based on the imminent usage for the portableelectronic device as indicated by the user selection; and a powermanager operatively connected to the battery monitor and the deviceusage manager, the power manager manages power utilization by theelectronic device based on the device usage information and the batterystatus information.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a power manager process according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a power reduction process according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a power manager process according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a charge monitor process according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a charge notification process according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary graphical user interface that can present adisplay screen on a display of an electronic device according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of media player according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to power management of a battery-poweredelectronic device. According to one embodiment, power management cantake action to reduce power consumption to accommodate estimated powerrequirements. According to another embodiment, power management cannotify a user when a power deficiency is anticipated. According to stillanother embodiment, power management can advise a user to charge abattery of the battery-powered electronic device. According to stillanother embodiment, a user can influence power management by userselections.

The invention is well suited for a portable electronic device that cansupport multiple functions. In one embodiment, the invention is suitablefor use with a portable electronic device having at least wireless voicecommunication capability and media playback capability. The portableelectronic device can, for example, be a portable media device (e.g.,digital music player or MP3 player) having wireless voicecommunications. In another embodiment, the portable electronic devicecan be a wireless communications device (e.g., cellular phone) havingmedia playback capabilities. In still another embodiment, the portableelectronic device can be a portable electronic device having mediaplayback capability and workout support via a workout manager. Theseportable electronic devices can also have other functions (e.g.,applications), such as functions supporting electronic calendars,electronic appointments, network browsers, network data transfers, VoIPapplications, etc.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-8. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that thegiven herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposesas the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of electronic device 100 according to oneembodiment of the invention. Device 100 is typically a portable ormobile electronic device. Device 100 can pertain to a computing device,a media player, a mobile telephone, a portable game player, portableworkout manager, and the like. In one embodiment, device 100 is amulti-function device that supports a plurality of different functions.As one example, device 100 can be portable and operate as a mobiletelephone while also operating as a media player. As another example,the device 100 can operate as a media player while also operating as aportable workout manager.

Device 100 can include processor 102 that controls the overall operationof device 100. In addition, device 100 can include battery 104 thatprovides power to device 100. Typically, battery 104 is rechargeable bycoupling battery 104 to an AC outlet to allow a charge circuit (notshown) to charge battery 104.

Device 100 can include power manager 106. Power manager 106 can managepower consumption by device 100. In one embodiment, the powerconsumption of device 100 is managed by power manager 106 based on usageof device 100 by a user. Power manager 106 can be coupled to processor102 so that power manager 106 can inform processor 102 of any powerrelated information or actions to be performed. Although power manager106 is shown in FIG. 1 as separate form processor 102, it should beunderstood that power manager 106 could also be part of or incorporatedinto processor 102. Device 100 can also include battery monitor 108 thatcouples to battery 104 so as to monitor the condition of battery 104.Battery monitor 108 can provide the battery condition, namely, one ormore battery characteristics, to power manager 106. For example, thebattery characteristics can pertains to one or more of charge level,temperature, voltage, current, etc.

Electronic device 100 can also include device usage manager 110. Deviceusage manager 110 operates to monitor present, imminent, current orfuture use of device 100. Device usage manager 110 can provide deviceusage information to power manager 106. Hence, power manager 106, aloneor in combination with processor 102, can evaluate whether the conditionof battery 104 is adequate to satisfy the device usage requirements thathave been identified by device usage manager 110.

Device 100 can also store one or more user settings 112. At least one ofuser settings 112 can pertain to a user setting regarding operation ofdevice 100 when the charge capacity of battery 104 is diminished ascompared to the power estimated to be required to satisfy the deviceusage requirements. As an example, user settings 112 can signalprocessor 102 that the user has certain preferences on how device 100should operate when available battery charge is inadequate. Processor102 can also couple to one or more modules, which can be hardware and/orsoftware components (including software applications), within device100. For example, the modules can include first module module-1 118,second module-2 120 and nth-module module-n 122. The different modulescan pertain to different functions or capabilities that can be supportedby device 100. As an example, first module 118 can pertain to a mediaplayer and second module 120 can pertain to a mobile telephonecapability. Another of the modules can pertain to a workout manager. Aworkout manager can operate to record workout data, such as performancedata, and also provide for playback of media (sometimes particularmedia) during a workout by a user of the device 100. The workouttypically involves exercise (walk, run, cycle, swim, etc.). Additionaldetails on workout management by portable electronic devices areprovided in: (i) U.S. pat. application Ser. No. 11/566,072, filed Dec.1, 2006, and entitled “SYSTEM INCLUDING PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER ANDPHYSIOLOGIC DATA GATHERING DEVICE,” which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference; and (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/439,523,filed May 22, 2006, and entitled “PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICE WITH WORKOUTSUPPORT,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Still further, device 100 can include display 114. As appropriate,graphical user interface (GUI) 116 can present on display 114 a dialogwindow in which a user can influence how device 100 reduces power. Userinput device 117 can assist a user in providing user input, such as byinteracting with GUI 116. User input device 117 can pertain to one ormore input buttons, touch-sensitive surfaces, etc. that enable the userto provide user input, such as user selections for usage or for powermanagement.

Typically, it will be useful to operate device 100 in a reduced powermanner when the available battery charge is inadequate to support thedevice usage requirements. In one embodiment, when the battery chargecapacity is inadequate to support the device usage requirements, toreduce power consumption, one or more of modules 118-122 can bedeactivated. The extent and or order by which modules 118-122 aredeactivated can also be influenced by user settings 112 and/or userselections made with respect to GUI 116. In another embodiment, when thebattery charge capacity is inadequate to support the device usagerequirements, a notification can be presented by device 100. Forexample, a notification can be displayed on display 114 via GUI 116. Thenotification can inform the user of the insufficient battery chargecapacity and/or provide recommendations regarding charging battery 104.

Although device 100 is powered by battery 114, in one embodiment, device100 can also at times utilize power from AC power supplied via a powercord coupled to an AC plug. The AC power is also used to charge battery114.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of power manager process 200 according to oneembodiment of the invention. Power manager process 200 is, for example,performed by an electronic device, such as electronic device 100illustrated in FIG. 1. As an example, power manager 106, alone or incombination with processor 102, can perform power manager process 200.

Power manager process 200 can begin with decision 202. Decision 202determines whether device usage is impending. When device usage, that isusage of the electronic device, is not impending, power manager process200 can wait until device usage is impending. Impending device usage canbe usage that is current, usage that is imminent, usage that ispredicted to occur relatively soon, or usage that is previouslyscheduled, (e.g., via a calendar or schedule). Impending device usagecan also be referred to as anticipated device usage. In any case, ifdecision 202 determines that device usage is impending, powerrequirements for the impending device usage can be estimated 204. Thepower requirements can be estimated 204 based on a type of usage and/orhistorical data regarding usage.

Available battery power can also be determined 206. As an example, abattery monitor, such as battery monitor 108, can determine one or morebattery characteristics (e.g., battery charge level) from which theavailable battery power can be determined. The available battery powercan be determined 206 from the one or more battery characteristics.

Decision 208 can then determines whether the available battery power isgreater than the estimated power requirements. When decision 208determines that the available battery power is not greater than theestimated power requirements, then there is a shortage of availablebattery power in order to satisfy the impending device usage powerrequirements. Accordingly, power manager process 200 can reduce 210power consumption of the device. The power consumption of the device canbe reduced 210 in a variety of different ways. As one example, certainnon-essential functions of the electronic device could be disabled toreduce power consumption. As another example, certain functions,operations or components of the electronic device can be used in a morepower efficient manner. Regardless of how the power consumption of thedevice is reduced 210, the reduction of power consumption can operate toenable the available battery power to be better utilized to support theimpending device usage power requirements. Following block 210, powermanager process 200 can end. Also, when decision 208 determines that theavailable battery power is greater than the estimated power requirementsfor the impending device usage, power manager process 200 can also endsince the available battery power is adequate.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of power reduction process 300 according to oneembodiment of the invention. Power reduction process 300 is, forexample, processing that can be performed by block 210 of power managerprocess 200 illustrated in FIG. 2.

Power reduction process 300 can determine 302 one or more devicefunctions that are not necessary for the impending device usage. Thedetermined device functions can then be disabled 304 at least during theimpending device usage. The disablement of the determined devicefunctions can be disabled 304 automatically (without specific userrequest) or following a user request or confirmation to disable.Thereafter, the power requirements for the impending device usage can bere-estimated 306. At this point the power requirements for the impendingdevice usage should have been lowered given that one or more of thedetermined device functions has been disabled 304. Decision 308 can thendetermine whether the available battery power is greater than there-estimated power requirements. When decision 308 determines that theavailable battery power is greater than the re-estimated powerrequirements, the disablement 304 of the one or more determined devicefunctions has been effective to reduce the power requirements for theimpending device usage so that the available battery power is adequateto support the impending device usage. At this point, power reductionprocess 300 can end.

On the other hand, when decision 308 determines that the availablebattery power is still not adequate to satisfy the re-estimated powerrequirements, a warning can be presented 310 on a display deviceassociated with the electronic device. For example, the warning cannotify the user of the electronic device that the impending device usagecannot be properly supported unless an external power source is utilizedor the battery is further charged.

Next, decision 312 can determine whether the user of the electronicdevice has initiated power adjustments. Here, the user of the electronicdevice can make power adjustments to further reduce (or otherwise alter)power consumption by the electronic device. Here, the behavior of theelectronic device can be modified 314 based on user input. For example,the user input may request or authorize the electronic device to makefurther (or alternative) function or operational sacrifices in order topreserve the available battery power for the impending device usage.Following block 314, as well as following decision 312 when the userdoes not make any power adjustments, power reduction process 300 canend.

The power management provided by the power manager process or powerreduction process 300 can operate in a wide range of scenarios dependingon an electronic device and its capabilities. Two scenarios arediscussed below but numerous other scenarios are available depending onthe capabilities of the electronic device.

One exemplary usage scenario involves an electronic device (namely, aportable electronic device) that supports voice communication usage(i.e., phone usage) and media playback usage. A user of the electronicdevice may have an impending phone call to take using the electronicdevice in thirty (30) minutes. The electronic device can know or predictthis by various means, including past usage data, a calendar entry, userinput, etc. However, if the user is now playing back media content usingthe electronic device, the electronic device can manage its powerutilization as needed. For example, when a battery powering theelectronic device does not have sufficient stored energy to play themedia content for thirty (30) minutes and then support the phone callfor its likely duration, the power management can cease the mediaplayback and/or alter the user that power conservation is required.Alternatively, the power management might permit the media playback tocontinue but without use of a display or with reduced volume.

Another exemplary usage scenario involves an electronic device (namely,a portable electronic device) that supports workout support and mediaplayback usage. A user of the electronic device may be initiating aworkout, such as a five (5) kilometers run, during which the electronicdevice can monitor performance data concerning the run. The electronicdevice can also permit the user to playback media content during therun. Just prior to starting the workout, the electronic device canevaluate whether its battery has sufficient stored energy to power boththe workout support as well as the media playback for at least thelikely duration of the run. Since the length of the run is known in thisexample, the duration for the run can be estimated. The electronicdevice can store information regarding the average run times for one ormore distances or run speeds for various run distances. The energy/powerrequired for the workout, including the workout support as well as mediaplayback, can then be estimated. In the event that the battery lackssufficient energy/power, the power management can cease media playbackor workout support during the run, can disable a display, can limitmedia playback volume, etc. In one example, if the user prefers to runwith media playback and without workout support if battery capacity islimited, then workout support can be disabled. In another example, ifdisabling the display (e.g., no use of backlight of LCD display) duringthe workout is adequate to bring the required energy/power within thebattery's stored capacity, then the electronic device can disable thedisplay but continue workout support as well as media playback. Thedisabling can be automatic or following user input. In one embodiment,the power management can alternatively or additionally notify the userof the electronic device through visual (e.g., via display) or audiomeans that power management is needed. The user can they make selectionto influence or control power management. For example, the notificationmight indicate “You don't have enough charge in your battery to completethe run with music unless you disable music playback (alternativelydisable display or disable phone), which would you like to disable?” Theuser can then make a selection with respect to a power adjustment screenon how they prefer the power management to be performed.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of power manager process 400 according to oneembodiment of the invention. Power manager process 400 is, for example,performed by an electronic device, such as device 100 illustrated inFIG. 1.

Power manager process 400 can identify 402 an imminent user activity. Inone implementation, the imminent user activity can be associated with arecent user selection (e.g., via a GUI) of a user activity. Next, apower estimate for the electronic device to complete the imminent useractivity can be obtained 404. The power estimate can be dependent on thetype of user activity. Examples of types of user activity depend on theparticular device but can, for example, include wireless voicecommunications, data transfer, media playback (e.g., song, album,audiobook, video, podcast, or playlist), workout support, etc. A batterycharacteristic associated with the battery can also be obtained 406.Thereafter, decision 408 can determine whether the battery can satisfythe power estimate associated with the imminent user activity. Whendecision 408 determines that the battery cannot satisfy the powerestimate, power consumption for the electronic device can be reduced 410during at least the imminent user activity. Following block 410, as wellas following decision 408 when the battery can satisfy the powerestimate, power manager process 400 ends.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of charge monitor process 500 according to oneembodiment of the invention. Charge monitor process 500 is, for example,performed by an electronic device, such as device 100 illustrated inFIG. 1.

Charge monitor process 500 can examine 502 schedule information for auser of the electronic device. The schedule information can pertain to acalendar or schedule maintained by the electronic device or otherwiseaccessible to the electronic device. Next, future power requirements canbe estimated 504. Here, in one embodiment, the future power requirementsare the power requirements for the usage of the electronic device asindicated, at least in part, by the schedule information. Accordingly,the power requirements for the electronic device to support theactivities or usage associated with the schedule information can beestimated 504. Estimation 504 of the power requirements can be performedin view of historical power usage, duration of usage or activities, orother characteristics of the electronic device, user or scheduledactivity. Battery status information can also be obtained 506. Thebattery status information indicates the status of the battery, such asa battery charge level. Thereafter, decision 508 can determine whetherthe battery can satisfy the future power requirements. When decision 508determines that the battery cannot satisfy the future powerrequirements, the user of the electronic device can be notified 510 thatcharging is recommended. Notification 510 to the user can further beprovided to the user with sufficient advance notice so that sufficientamount of time for charging is provided. Still further, notification 510can advise a user of the minimum, recommended or suggested duration ofcharging to be provided. Following block 510, as well as followingdecision 508 directly when the battery already is able to satisfy thefuture power requirements, charge monitor process 500 ends. However,charge monitor process 500 can be periodic or event driven so that itcan be performed as appropriate to monitor the need for charging of thebattery in view of usage, both current and future, of the electronicdevice.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of charge notification process 600 according toone embodiment of the invention. Charge notification process 600 can,for example, represent processing associated with block 510 of chargemonitor process 500. Charge notification process 600 can determine 602an amount of additional battery power needed to support the future powerrequirements. A charging duration required to acquire the additionalbattery power can be determined 604. The charging duration is dependenton the amount of additional battery power needed. Determination 604 canalso take into consideration characteristics of the battery, such astype of battery, charging characteristics, condition of battery, age ofbattery, etc., which can affect the charging duration. After thecharging duration is determined 604, a notification regarding chargingof the battery can be presented 606. Once the notification is presented606, charge notification process 600 can end.

Optionally, the timing of presentation 606 of the notification can becontrolled. For example, assume that in order for the battery to be ableto satisfy the future power requirements additional charging of thebattery is needed. If the battery is estimated to be able to satisfy thefuture power requirements after thirty minutes of charging (chargingduration), the notification regarding charging can inform the user ofsuch minimum charging time. The notification regarding charging can alsobe sent to a user in advance of the future power requirements such thatthe user has adequate time to sufficiently charge the battery. Forexample, if the future power requirements are that one (1) hour of videoplayback is needed on the electronic device for a 4:00 PM meeting, thenthe user can be notified at 3:00 PM that thirty (30) minutes of chargingis needed prior to the 4:00 PM meeting.

A graphical user interface can be provided by an electronic device,namely, a portable electronic device that supports power consumptionmanagement. The graphical user interface can take various forms toassist users in providing one or more user settings that can be utilizedby the electronic device to provide power consumption management.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary graphical user interface that can presenteddisplay screen 700 on a display of an electronic device according to oneembodiment of the invention. Display screen 700 enables a user to setpower reduction preferences. Display screen 700 can be referred to as apower adjustment screen. Using display screen 700, a user can interactwith the electronic device to set power reduction preferences withrespect to different usage activities for the electronic device. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the usage activities can includerunning 702 (“Run”) and phone call 704 (“Phone Call”).

With respect to run 702 usage, user selection control 706 can enable auser to authorize the electronic device to turn-off a back lightassociated with the display screen during a run. User selection control708 can authorize the electronic device to limit media playback volumeduring a run. User selection control 710 can allow the electronic deviceto disable the phone during a run. User selection control 712 canrequest that the electronic device remind the user to charge the deviceif it is anticipated that the battery will need additional charge tosatisfy likely future usage. Such charge reminders can be generallyapplicable across many potential usages as indicated in FIG. 7, or canbe directed to particular usages (e.g., run, phone call, etc.).

With respect to phone call 704 usage, user selection control 714 canauthorize the electronic device to disable access to a local wirelessnetwork. User selection control 716 can authorize the electronic deviceto disable all non-call functions. User selection control 718 canrequest that the electronic device warn the user when remaining calltime is below a user-determined number of minutes. The user-determinednumber of minutes can be selected using input control 720.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a user can specify areserve power reservoir that can be maintained or preserved so that anelectronic device can reliably provide its most important functions. Forexample, a user may want to be notified when the music playbackcapability is below a minimum duration (e.g., 1 hour). In such anexample, the notification can be presented in an audio or visual mannerso that the user understands that the ability to playback media for theminimum duration will be jeopardized if they continue with an on-goingusage (e.g., phone call).

In one embodiment, reserving power for a particular function oroperation can impact power management as discussed above. For example,available battery power can be reduced by the reserved power amountbefore performing the various power management embodiments discussedabove. In other words, the monitored battery power is reduced by theamount of reserved power to yield an effective available power that canbe used with power management processing.

The electronic device as described herein can be a wirelesscommunication device (e.g., portable telephone) capable of communicationover a network. The wireless communication device can also include otherapplications such as a media playback application.

The electronic device as described herein can be a media device (e.g.,media player) capable of playing (including displaying) media items. Themedia items can pertain to audio items (e.g., audio files or songs),videos (e.g., movies) or images (e.g., photos). The media device canalso include other applications such as a wireless communicationapplication.

In one embodiment, the electronic device is a portable electronicdevice. In one implementation, the portable electronic device is ahandheld electronic device. Often, portable electronic devices arehandheld electronic devices that can be easily held by and within asingle hand of a user. The portable electronic device can also pertainto a wearable electronic device or a miniature electronic device.However, the invention can apply to electronic devices whether portableor not.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of media player 800 according to oneembodiment of the invention. Media player 800 can include the circuitryof device 100 in FIG. 1, can perform the operations described withreference to FIGS. 2-6, and/or can present a display screen as in FIG.7.

Media player 800 can include processor 802 that pertains to amicroprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation ofmedia player 800. Media player 800 can store media data pertaining tomedia items in file system 804 and cache 806. File system 804 is,typically, a storage disk or a plurality of disks. File system 804typically provides high capacity storage capability for media player800. File system 804 can store not only media data but also non-mediadata. However, since the access time to file system 804 is relativelyslow, media player 800 can also include cache 806. Cache 806 is, forexample, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory.The relative access time to cache 806 can be substantially shorter thanfor file system 804. However, cache 806 does not have the large storagecapacity of file system 804. Further, file system 804, when active,consumes more power than does cache 806. The power consumption is oftena concern when media player 800 is a portable media player that ispowered by battery 807. Media player 800 can also includes RAM 820 andRead-Only Memory (ROM) 822. ROM 822 can store programs, utilities orprocesses to be executed in a non-volatile manner. RAM 820 providesvolatile data storage, such as for cache 806.

Media player 800 can also include user input device 808 that allows auser of media player 800 to interact with media player 800. For example,user input device 808 can take a variety of forms, such as a button,keypad, dial, etc. (physical or soft implementations) each of which canbe programmed to individually or in combination perform any of a suiteof functions. In one implementation, user input device 808 can beprovided by a dial that physically rotates. In another implementation,user input device 808 can be implemented as a touchpad (i.e., atouch-sensitive surface). In still another implementation, user inputdevice 808 can be implemented as a combination of one or more physicalbuttons as well as a touchpad. Still further, media player 800 caninclude display 810 (screen display) that can be controlled by processor802 to display information to the user. Data bus 811 can facilitate datatransfer between at least file system 804, cache 806, processor 802, andCODEC 812.

Media player 800 can also provide status monitoring of battery 807. Inthis regard, media player 800 can include battery monitor 813. Batterymonitor 813 can be operatively coupled to battery 807 to monitorconditions. Battery monitor 813 can, for example, communicate batterystatus (or conditions) with processor 802.

In one embodiment, media player 800 can serve to store a plurality ofmedia items (e.g., songs) in file system 804. When a user desires tohave media player 800 play a particular media item, a list of availablemedia items can be displayed on display 810. Then, using user inputdevice 808 (or voice commands), a user can select one of the availablemedia items. Processor 802, upon receiving a selection of a particularmedia item, can supply the media data (e.g., audio file) for theparticular media item to coder/decoder (CODEC) 812. CODEC 812 can thenproduce analog output signals for speaker 814. Speaker 814 can be aspeaker internal to media player 800 or external to media player 800.For example, headphones or earphones that connect to media player 800could be considered an external speaker. Speaker 814 can not only beused to output audio sounds pertaining to the media item being played,but also to output audio notifications pertaining to battery status.Notifications of battery status can also be output to display 810.

In one embodiment, media player 800 is a portable computing device thatcan support processing media, such as audio. For example, media player800 can be a music player (e.g., MP3 player), a game player, and thelike. These devices are generally battery operated and highly portableso as to allow a user to listen to music, play games or video, recordvideo or take pictures wherever the user travels.

In one implementation, media player 800 is a handheld device sized forplacement into a pocket or hand of the user. By being handheld, mediaplayer 800 is relatively small and easily handled and utilized by itsuser. By being pocket sized, the user does not have to directly carrythe device and therefore the device can be taken almost anywhere theuser travels (e.g., the user is not limited by carrying a large, bulkyand often heavy device, as in a portable computer). Furthermore, in oneimplementation, the device may be operated by the user's hands; noreference surface such as a desktop is needed.

Media player 800 can also include network/bus interface 816 that couplesto data link 818. Data link 818 can allow media player 800 to couple toa host computer. Data link 818 can be provided over a wired connectionor a wireless connection. In the case of a wireless connection,network/bus interface 816 can include a wireless transceiver.

To support wireless communications, media player 800 can also includewireless communications module 824. Wireless communication module 824can be considered to provide voice communications (e.g., calls via acellular network), whereas network/bus interface 816 can be consideredto provide data communications. A user of media player 800 can thus makeand receive voice calls using the wireless communications module inmedia player 800. Wireless communications module 824 can also couple todata bus 811 to couple to processor 802 and other resources. Mediaplayer 800 can also include microphone 826 for pickup of the user'svoice.

The invention is suitable for use with battery-powered electronicdevices. However, the invention is particularly well suited for handheldelectronic devices, such as a handheld media device. One example of ahandheld media device is a portable media player (e.g., music player orMP3 player). Another example of a handheld media device is a mobiletelephone (e.g., cell phone) or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).

Portable media devices can store and play audio sounds pertaining tomedia assets (media items), such as music, audiobooks, meetingrecordings, and other speech or voice recordings. Portable mediadevices, such as media players, are small and highly portable and havelimited processing resources. Often, portable media devices are handheldmedia devices which can be easily held by and within a single hand of auser.

One example of a media player is the iPod® media player, which isavailable from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Often, a media playeracquires its media assets from a host computer that serves to enable auser to manage media assets. As an example, the host computer canexecute a media management application to utilize and manage mediaassets. One example of a media management application is iTunes®,produced by Apple Inc.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/209,367, filed Aug. 22, 2005, andentitled “AUDIO STATUS INFORMATION FOR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/565,890, filed Dec. 1, 2006, andentitled “POWER CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT FOR FUNCTIONAL PRESERVATION IN ABATTERY-POWERED ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/439,613, filed May 23, 2006, andentitled “PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICE WITH POWER MANAGED DISPLAY,” is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of theinvention can be used separately or in any combination.

The invention is preferably implemented by software, hardware or acombination of hardware and software. The invention can also be embodiedas computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computerreadable medium is any data storage device that can store data which canthereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computerreadable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs,DVDs, magnetic tape, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves.The computer readable medium can also be distributed overnetwork-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code isstored and executed in a distributed fashion.

The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different aspects,embodiments or implementations may yield one or more of the followingadvantages. One advantage of the invention is that an electronic devicecan operate to manage power utilization by the electronic device in viewof impending usage and battery condition. Another advantage of theinvention is that an electronic device can operate to manage its powerusage to preserve one of its functions over another when availablebattery power is diminished. Another advantage of the invention is thata user of an electronic device can participate in power managementbehavior of the electronic device when available battery power isdiminished. Still another advantage of the invention is that anelectronic device can provide a notification that charging of a batteryis recommended in view of impending usage of the electronic device.

The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparentfrom the written description. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the inventionshould not be limited to the exact construction and operation asillustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of theinvention.

1. A method for managing power utilization by a multi-functionelectronic device powered by a battery, the method comprising: receivinga user selection requesting activation of a supported function of themulti-function electronic device; estimating a power requirement for themulti-function electronic device to support the supported functionrequested by the user selection; obtaining a battery characteristicassociated with the battery; determining, based on the batterycharacteristic, whether the battery has adequate capacity to satisfy theestimated power requirement for the multi-function electronic devicebased on the usage of the multi-function electronic device in accordancewith the supported function requested by the user selection; andreducing power consumption of the multi-function electronic device whenthe determining determines that the battery has inadequate capacity tosatisfy the power requirement, wherein the reducing of the powerconsumption of the multi-function electronic device comprisesautomatically disabling one or more other supported functions of themulti-function electronic device that are not necessary to support thesupported function requested by the user selection, wherein theestimating of the power requirement is based on a predicted device usageof the electronic device, and wherein the estimating predicts a durationof the predicted device usage.
 2. A method as recited in claim 1,wherein the estimating of the power requirement is based on a currentusage of the electronic device.
 3. A method as recited in claim 1,wherein the power requirement is a power estimate for the electronicdevice to complete the usage of the electronic device in accordance withthe supported function requested by the user selection of the electronicdevice.
 4. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the estimating of thepower requirement is based on continuation of the usage of theelectronic device in accordance with the supported function requested bythe user selection for a predetermined duration.
 5. A method formanaging power utilization by a multi-function electronic device poweredby a battery, the method comprising: receiving a user request foractivation of a supported function of the multi-function electronicdevice; identifying an impending device usage, the identifying of theimpending device usage being based at least in part on the user requestto activate the supported function; obtaining a power estimate for themulti-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage;obtaining a battery characteristic associated with the battery;determining, based on the battery characteristic, whether the batteryhas adequate capacity to satisfy the power estimate for themulti-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage;and reducing power consumption of the multi-function electronic deviceduring at least the impending device usage by disabling one or moreother supported functions of the multi-function electronic device whenthe determining determines that the battery has inadequate chargecapacity to satisfy the power estimate for the multi-function electronicdevice to complete the impending device usage, wherein the identifyingestimates or predicts a duration of the impending device usage.
 6. Amethod as recited in claim 5, wherein the user request initiates theimpending device usage.
 7. A method as recited in claim 5, wherein thereducing of the power consumption of the multi-function electronicdevice reduces power consumption so that the battery has adequatecapacity to satisfy the reduced power needs for the multi-functionelectronic device to complete the impending device usage.
 8. The methodas recited in claim 5, wherein one or more supported functions areoperable on the multi-function electronic device, and wherein at least aplurality of the one or more supported functions are softwareapplications, each of the software applications provide themulti-function electronic device with different capabilities when suchsoftware application is operating.
 9. A method as recited in claim 5,wherein the multi-function electronic device supports a plurality offunctions selected from the group of: media playback, voicecommunications, data transfer, or workout data capture.
 10. A method formanaging power utilization by a multi-function electronic device poweredby a battery, the method comprising: receiving a user request foractivation of a supported function of the multi-function electronicdevice; identifying an impending device usage, the identifying of theimpending device usage being based at least in part on the user requestto activate the supported function; obtaining a power estimate for themulti-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage;obtaining a battery characteristic associated with the battery;determining, based on the battery characteristic, whether the batteryhas adequate capacity to satisfy the power estimate for themulti-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage;and reducing power consumption of the multi-function electronic deviceduring at least the impending device usage by disabling one or moreother supported functions of the multi-function electronic device whenthe determining determines that the battery has inadequate chargecapacity to satisfy the power estimate for the multi-function electronicdevice to complete the impending device usage, wherein the identifyingcomprises receiving an indication of a duration of the impending deviceusage based on a user input.
 11. A method as recited in claim 10,wherein the obtaining of the battery characteristic obtains an availablebattery power of the battery, and wherein the determining of whether thebattery has adequate capacity comprises comparing the power estimate tothe available battery power.
 12. A method for managing power utilizationby a multi-function electronic device powered by a battery, the methodcomprising: receiving a user request for activation of a supportedfunction of the multi-function electronic device; identifying animpending device usage, the identifying of the impending device usagebeing based at least in part on the user request to activate thesupported function; obtaining a power estimate for the multi-functionelectronic device to complete the impending device usage; obtaining abattery characteristic associated with the battery; determining, basedon the battery characteristic, whether the battery has adequate capacityto satisfy the power estimate for the multi-function electronic deviceto complete the impending device usage; and reducing power consumptionof the multi-function electronic device during at least the impendingdevice usage by disabling one or more other supported functions of themulti-function electronic device when the determining determines thatthe battery has inadequate charge capacity to satisfy the power estimatefor the multi-function electronic device to complete the impendingdevice usage, wherein the multi-functional electronic device includes adisplay, and wherein the reducing of the power consumption of themulti-function electronic device comprises: presenting a poweradjustment screen on the display, the power adjustment screen providingat least one user-selectable power saving option; and reducing the powerconsumption of the multi-function electronic device in accordance withthe user-selectable power saving option when the user-selectable optionis selected.
 13. A method as recited in claim 12, wherein the methodfurther comprises: presenting a warning that the battery has inadequatecapacity to satisfy the power estimate for the multi-function electronicdevice to complete the impending device usage.
 14. A method as recitedin claim 13, wherein the presenting the warning comprises displaying thewarning on the display, wherein the warning is provided within the poweradjustment screen.
 15. A multi-function portable electronic device,comprising: a display; a battery; a battery monitor configured toacquire battery status information from the battery; a user input deviceconfigured to receive a user selection indicating selection of asupported function of the portable electronic device that is to beactivated; a device usage manager configured to provide device usageinformation, the device usage information including informationpertaining to an impending device usage and being based on the selectedsupported function for the portable electronic device as indicated bythe user selection; and a power manager operatively connected to thebattery monitor and the device usage manager, the power manager managespower utilization by the portable electronic device based on the deviceusage information and the battery status information, wherein the powermanager operates to: estimate a power requirement for the portableelectronic device; obtain a battery characteristic associated with thebattery; determine, based on the battery characteristic, whether thebattery has adequate capacity to satisfy the estimated power requirementfor the portable electronic device; and reduce power consumption of theportable electronic device when the battery has inadequate capacity tosatisfy the power requirement, wherein the power manager operates toreduce power consumption of the portable electronic device when thebattery has inadequate capacity to satisfy the power requirement bydisabling one or more other supported functions of the portableelectronic device when the battery has inadequate capacity to satisfythe power requirement, and wherein the power requirement for theportable electronic device is dependent on receiving an indication of aduration of the impending device usage based on a user input.
 16. Aportable electronic device as recited in claim 15, when the powermanager operates to reduce of the power consumption of the electronicdevice, one or more other supported functions that are not necessary tosupport the selected supported function of the portable electronicdevice are automatically disabled.
 17. A portable electronic device asrecited in claim 16, wherein the portable electronic device supports aplurality of functions selected from the group of: media playback, voicecommunications, data transfer, or workout data capture.
 18. A portableelectronic device as recited in claim 15, wherein the portableelectronic device is a handheld portable electronic device.